Philharmonic president Deborah Borda said that the 28-year-old Venezuelan music director heard a loud pop and lost sensation on one side. He managed to pump out enough endorphins to keep up a fiery performance, but he did not look himself at the curtain call.

According to the Times report, Dudamel insisted on continuing the night despite great pain. However, Borda insisted a bit harder and the conductor was taken to the hospital.